July 26, 2024- Latin America
Ismael ‘Mayo’ Zambada, the legendary leader and founder of Mexico’s Sinaloa Drug Cartel, to whom top-selling Latin and regional Mexican singer Peso Pluma dedicated a song, has been arrested in El Paso, Texas.
This marks the first time Zambada, who had evaded capture for decades and had a $15 million bounty on his head, has been apprehended. Alongside Zambada, Joaquín Guzmán López, one of ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán’s sons, was also detained in the operation at a private airport.
The arrest was confirmed by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, who stated that the US Justice Department had taken two alleged leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel into custody. Zambada, who was born in Culiacán in 1948, has been a key figure in drug trafficking, responsible for smuggling cocaine and marijuana into the U.S. His capture intensifies the U.S. efforts against the influx of fentanyl, a drug linked to over 100,000 deaths in the past year.
Zambada’s arrest adds to the list of Sinaloa Cartel leaders detained by U.S. authorities, including Ovidio Guzmán and Nestor Isidro Perez Salas. Despite his long criminal career, Zambada had never been imprisoned until now. Known for his elusive lifestyle, Zambada once even hosted journalist Julio Scherer at his remote hideout, revealing glimpses of his personal life, including his family ties.
His son, Vicente Zambada Niebla, also played a crucial role in the cartel but was arrested in 2009 and later cooperated with U.S. authorities, aiding in the conviction of El Chapo Guzmán.
Peso Pluma & Kenia “Os” is currently holding the top spot in Mexico on Apple Music Songs chart.
Pluma dedicated a song “Zapata,” to ‘El Mayo’ Zambada on his album Génesis, released on June 22, 2023.
The track was created by Jesús Roberto Laija García, known as Tito Double P, a cousin of Emilio Hassan Kabande. In it, ‘El Mayo’ Zambada, leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, is mentioned with the phrase “el MZ sigue laborando,” which many internet users consider a clear reference to ‘El Mayo’ Zambada.
Elsewhere on the Apple Music Chart “TOMMY & PAMELA,” followed by Óscar Maydon & Junior H’s “Volver Al Futuro” and Natanael Cano & Óscar Maydon’s “Madonna.” Peso Pluma & Neton Vega’s “LA PATRULLA” climbs two spots to fourth, while Natanael Cano & Óscar Maydon’s “Giza” and Peso Pluma, Natanael Cano & Gabito Ballesteros’ “VINO TINTO” each drop one position to fifth and sixth, respectively. Peso Pluma & Óscar Maydon’s “SANTAL 33” moves up one spot to seventh, and Junior H’s “Y LLORO” slips to eighth.
While on Mexico’s Apple Music Top Albums chart Fuerza Regida, the Mexican American regional Mexican band from San Bernardino, California leads with their new release “PERO NO TE ENAMORES.” Peso Pluma’s “ÉXODO” drops to second place, followed by Ivan Cornejo’s “MIRADA (Apple Music Edition)” in third. Junior H’s “$AD BOYZ 4 LIFE II,” Billie Eilish’s “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT,” and Carín León’s “Boca Chueca, Vol. 1” each fall one spot to fourth, fifth, and sixth, respectively. Bad Bunny’s “Un Verano Sin Ti” is in seventh, Travis Scott’s “UTOPIA” remains in eighth, and Taylor Swift’s “THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT: THE ANTHOLOGY” slips to ninth. Peso Pluma’s “GÉNESIS” stays at tenth.
In an election year marked by uncertainty, Venezuela is showing signs of economic recovery after years of hardship. Research firm Ecoanalítico projects a GDP growth rate of 4.2% for 2024, driven by improvements in trade, services, and the oil and mining sectors. Oil production has increased to over 820,000 barrels per day, up from previous years, despite international sanctions.
The Maduro administration’s strategies to curb hyperinflation have shown some success, with inflation potentially averaging 50% this year. However, economic growth is not uniform, with significant progress mainly in the Caracas-Valencia axis, while many regions remain in economic distress. Poverty still affects 85% of the population.
Analysts argue that while these improvements are positive, they are insufficient for significant recovery. They suggest that true economic revitalization would require double-digit growth and political stability. The future economic outlook hinges on the election outcome and potential easing of international sanctions, which could open the door to international financial support and investment.
Meanwhile, on the Venezuela Apple Music Top Albums chart, Jimin’s “MUSE (WANDER ver.)” holds the top position, followed by Danny Ocean’s “venequia.” and RM’s “Right Place, Wrong Person.” Notable movements include Chappell Roan’s “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” jumping 50 places to 6th, and Mora’s “ESTRELLA” rising 48 places to 7th. New entries include Ethel Cain’s “Carpet Bed EP” at 14th and KAROL G’s “MAÑANA SERÁ BONITO (BICHOTA SEASON)” at 16th.
On the Venezuela Apple Music Top Songs chart, Jimin dominates with “Who” at number 1, followed by the new entry “Be Mine” at number 2, and “Slow Dance” featuring Sofia Carson at number 3. Other notable positions include Jimin & Loco’s “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band” at 6th and Jung Kook’s “Never Let Go” at 10th. Multiple remixes of Jimin’s “Who” also feature prominently on the chart, highlighting the song’s popularity.
In Nicaragua, with prices soaring, 86.8% of the population cannot afford essential goods. A report by Hagamos Democracia reveals that most Nicaraguans can only cover half a basket of basic goods, despite a recent minimum wage increase to 8,746.46 córdobas ($239). The cost of a basic food basket for a family of four is 14,414 córdobas ($394), making it unaffordable for most families.
Food prices have risen dramatically, while real wages have decreased by over 20% in recent years. The price of a basket of basic goods has increased by 60% over the last six years, reaching its highest level in 40 years. Many Nicaraguans are turning to informal work, with 55.3% now self-employed, exacerbating economic instability and reducing contributions to social security.
Remittances from abroad have become a crucial source of income, now necessary for covering basic expenses. Despite these remittances, 61.4% of Nicaraguans express a desire to migrate due to political and economic conditions.
On the Nicaragua Apple Music Top Albums chart, Fuerza Regida’s “PERO NO TE ENAMORES” debuts at number 1, followed by Jimin’s “MUSE (WANDER ver.)” and Bad Bunny’s “Un Verano Sin Ti.” Other notable albums include Ariana Grande’s “eternal sunshine (slightly deluxe)” jumping 37 places to 13th and Rawayana’s “¿Quién trae las cornetas?” rising 26 places to 20th.
On the Nicaragua Apple Music Top Songs chart, Jimin’s “Who” holds the top spot, followed by KAROL G’s “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” and Jimin & Loco’s “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band.” New entries and rising tracks include Jimin’s “Be Mine” at 14th and Bad Bunny’s “Efecto” climbing to 15th.
